Chapter 555 (2/2)
The only trouble was, the elixirs were an absolute increase. The serum decreased in effectiveness the higher a person’s strength was. It was particularly frustrating for Ghost to feel outdone by a single human when he was a hyper-powered AI built by the greatest genius the world had ever seen, but Ghost’s analytics all pointed to the Ghosthound having a powerful catalyst that caused the results.
Without finding the catalyst, Ghost was helpless. But at least he knew that the Ghosthound was just lucky, not truly superior.
President Howard hopped from foot to foot, flexing his hands. He appeared pleased with the feeling because he flashed a wide smile. Ghost took particular note of this. A genuine smile was rare for Alan Howard. Perhaps some minor hormonal variance due to the serum? Or was the physical sensation of receiving the serum truly pleasurable? It bore watching.
Satisfied, Alan turned and looked up at the roof. “Alright, let’s walk and talk. Ghost, report on the Lake Apollo situation.”
Ghost pulled up the pre-prepared statement he had made around 7 hours ago. “As you are no doubt aware, Lake Apollo is a small lake in the Southwest corner of Zone 1. At the time of the borderlands opening it was revealed in the initial expansion. The lake is three miles wide and 7 across. Due to the particular challenges of fighting against water-based Raid Bosses, a military presence was established around the lake, but the Raid Bosses there were largely allowed to reproduce as they pleased. There were periodic monster horde attacks on the bases there, but that was considered an asset. It was the one place in the Zone where there were periodic, predictable encounters with powerful monsters. Generally, the attacking beasts would number under 1000, and between the Levels of 26 and 34. Most recruits did a rotation on Lake Apollo, to get a taste of combat before being sent deep into the borderlands or normal patrols.
“As more refugees poured into our Zone, an area 3 miles East of Lake Apollo was selected as the site of a Unity Church Refugee camp. Congress raised a ruckus, as the geographic locations of the different bases meant the camp could be directly attacked. There were three military bases around Lake Apollo, one to the Northwest of it, One to the Northeast, and one to the Southeast. As it was, if the monster horde left the lake and headed directly East, it could just demolish the refugee camp. So a 4th base was made by Lake Apollo, directly between the lake and the refugee camp. This has become the hub of all long-range ballistics testing.
“At 21:32 last night, the Northeast base detected unusual monster movements and made the normal reports. At 22:00, there were distress cries from the refugee camp. Within 23 minutes, the distress calls ceased. During that time, both the Northeast and Southeast camps dispatched special response teams to the refugee camp. None made it farther than a quarter of a mile from the bases. The Raid Bosses had set traps for both and ambushed almost all of the forces sent to assist.
“It was only after scout drones determined no humans were able to fight that the Eastmost base made its move. Using long-range incendiary rounds, it annihilated most everything living in the vicinity of the refugee camp.”
Alan remained silent as he walked through the silent hospital. Ghost watched the man carefully. It was frustrating to admit, but President Howard was his biggest supporter at the moment. Not that he was in particular danger of being decommissioned, but Ghost used to be associated with absolute assurance. His word was law. It was how the Tiered Citizenship came to be.
But now the Unity Church was becoming a growing threat. As the monsters became stronger, Ghost’s drones were insufficient to handle them. And with the military weapons that Ghost designed failing…
“Can we spin this in our favor?” Alan asked finally. Ghost wished he had eyes to roll. Of course, they would attempt to, but…
“It is undeniable that the Unity Church maintained less a fighting force in this refugee camp due to the presence of the military bases. That will become the point of contention. Who was at fault?”
“Who was at fault?” Alan asked, stopping and glancing up at a camera.
Ghost hated feeling so powerless. “As my reports indicated, Raid Bosses will increase in sophistication and strength the longer they are left alone. This one had enough tactical knowledge to sneak out of the lake, past three bases, and assault the weak point. But the generals have grown used to considering Lake Apollo an asset. Human complacency is at fault. If I am asked to speak before Congress…”
Ghost didn’t bother to finish. By Alan’s darkening countenance, he realized what Ghost meant. People in Alan’s camp were at fault.
“Yes well,” Alan said darkly. “Data isn’t everything.
The other man walked out of the building and into the cool morning air. Ghost was filled with distaste but suppressed it. After all, a communication line was coming in.
“Ah, Ghost? Yes, I would like to speak with you,” Father Foster said, her voice even. “I have… an offer, of sorts.”